1942 Dodge WC-51
Weapons Carrier

The thought of 'sitting in my basement surrounded by solvent fumes, drinking copious amounts of beer, and building scale-model plastic aircraft' for the next couple of years seemed harmless enough, but this solipsism was rudely side-tracked one evening (2005) when one of the 'voices inside my head' instructed me to rebuild a Dodge M-37 (#80034594, 1952). That project subsequently bloated into a frankenstinian transmogrification of my childhood preoccupation with erector sets and tinker toys, all mixed liberally with alkaloid toxins, assorted pain killers, and a wide range of hops & grains. In 2006, those 'voices inside my head' returned and instructed me to launch another truck project (Dodge WC-51; #81692149, 1942) - one that is already replete with a veritable cornucopia of pain killers, blood-blisters, and liquid bread

This photo first appeared on DodgePowerWagon.com: The truck was purchased by John Bizal, shipped from CA > MN, then sold to me in F06. Given it's travels (MI > Japan > MN > SD), it may have as many shipping miles on it as it has actual road miles

 

As first advertised by John Bizal

"Project Truck. Engine is free, but I have not tried to start it. Wrong carb set up. Missing generator and regulator. No front bumper. Hood hinge needs replacing. Wrong seats. Missing cab braces and side skirts. Inner windshield frame missing. No tailgate. Now, what's good about the truck!... No rust or rot anywhere. Truck was rebuilt by the Japan US Army Depot 11/59. Spent the last 45 years in dry California. Straight, clean sheetmetal. Four combat wheels. Complete drive line. Here's what comes with the truck: Inner WS frame, hood hinge, used generator and regulator, 2 rear bumperettes, 1 pintle hook, 2 front seats, 2 cab braces, 2 side skirts, 2 brush guards, 2 headlamp buckets, 1 correct non-winch grill assembly."

10 September 2007

14 June 2008
(in the sun - prep for sandblasting)

4 July 2008
Engine painted

My WC-51 will bear 1942 USN markings
and will be as authentic as possible.
However, what the hell is USN 'Blue-Gray'???

Materials

Costs

Previous effort: 1953 M-37